…as petrol import falls by 12% to 20.29bn litres
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has delivered a total of 48.6 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the past 10 months, Vanguard investigations have revealed.
Details of the deliveries contained in official data on the transaction sighted by Vanguard showed that 3.4 million barrels (mb) were supplied in December 2023 while 3.5 million barrels were supplied in February 2024.
The details further showed that 3.3md, 3.3mb, 3.0mb, 5.1mb, 5.1mb, 4.8mb and 5.6 were supplied to the refinery in March, April, May, June, July, August and September 2024 respectively. The transaction has already recorded 11.7mb for October 2024 deliveries.
However, sources close to the Dangote Refinery said the volume supplied remains low when compared to the installed refining capacity of the 650,000 barrels per day plant.
The NNPCL has not yet disclosed the crude oil requirements of Nigeria’s refineries, including Dangote refinery in the last quarter (October – December) of 2024.
But in the second quarter (Q2’24) of 2024, the government put the requirements of all Nigeria’s refineries, including Dangote Refinery, at 597,700 barrels per day, indicating an increase of 114.700 barrels per day, from 483,000 bpd in the first half of the year.
The Q2’24 estimate also indicates that the NNPCL may have booked the crude oil needs of Dangote Refinery at less than 50% of the installed production capacity.
Petrol imports fall 12%
Meanwhile, the volume of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also called petrol fell year-on-year (YoY) by 12.6 percent to 20.29 billion litres in 2023 from 23.24 billion litres in 2022.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this yesterday in its ”Petroleum Products Distribution Statistics for 2023”, noting that PMS trucks also dropped by 16.9 percent YoY to 20.22 billion litres from 24.35 billion litres in 2022.
According to the bureau, the volume of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, also known as diesel, imported rose to 4.94 billion litres in 2023 from 3.99 billion litres in 2022.
The statistics also showed that 109.39 million litres of AGO were locally produced in 2023, representing a 6.76 per cent rise from 102.47 million litres produced in 2022.
Similarly, the volume of Household Kerosene (HHK) locally produced grew by 56 per cent YoY to 69.7 million litres in 2023 from 44.68 million litres in 2024.
However, the data showed that local production of Petrol ended in 2018 when 128.08 million litres was produced.
NBS said: “In 2023, PMS truck out stood at 20.22 billion litres, indicating a 16.96% decrease relative to 24.35 billion litres recorded in 2022.
“About 69.71 million litres of HHK were locally produced in 2023 compared to 44.68 million litres in 2022, indicating a growth rate of 56.02 percent over the period.
“For AGO, 109.39 million litres were locally produced in 2023, higher, compared to 102.47 million litres reported in 2022. This represents a 6.76 percent growth rate.
“In terms of imported products, 20.30 billion litres of PMS were imported in 2023 relative to 23.54 billion litres in 2022, showing a decrease of 13.77 percent
”Also, 4.94 billion litres of Automotive Gas Oil were imported in 2023, indicating an increase of 23.66 percent compared to 4.00 billion litres in the previous year.”
The #FearlessInOctober protest recorded a low turnout in the Federal Capital Territory and states amid the heavy presence of security operatives.
This was as the organisers of the protest, the Take It Back Movement, rejected the planned 30-day National Youth Confab, announced earlier on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.
The group described the initiative as ‘’a jamboree” designed to reward the President’s supporters.
In his Independence Day address, Tinubu announced plans to convene a youth conference which he said would be held for 30 days to address and discuss challenges facing the Nigerian youth, who accounted for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population.
“I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.
‘’The 30-day confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations,” the President said.
Reacting to the plan, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, noted that the President did not organise any confabs before implementing his policies.
He said, ‘’I think President Tinubu wants to lavish taxpayers’ money to organise a jamboree for his supporters. We saw some of them that were paid, NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students), singing his praises in Abuja, so I think that is simply what the President wants to do.
“What confab did he organise before he awarded a private jet to himself costing billions? Did we hold any confab before he decided to use billions of naira to construct an apartment for the Vice President? Or which confab did we hold before they started paying themselves huge allowances, budgeting billions for kitchen utensils?’’
Continuing, Sanyaolu added, “As a matter of fact, what confab did the President hold before increasing the price of fuel, even between August and now, to over N1,000? Even, some are buying at N1,500. Nigerians don’t need a confab.
“We don’t need our money to be wasted on organizing a jamboree for his supporters in APC or wherever they come from. Nigerians need good governance, and it is not a confab that will fix that.”
Asked whether the protest will continue, Sanyaolu said “The protest continues, but the new date will be announced because I am aware that there are still people in different states who want to protest. But we are going to announce the next days, which we will definitely not be far from now.”
Speaking to The PUNCH, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed that the Federal Government would set up an implementation task force to spearhead the implementation of the recommendations from the upcoming youth confab.
Adding context to the nature of preparation, Olawande said it included creating an implementation task force for various issues on the agenda.
“We are going to roll it out very soon, and we are going to have the terms and conditions, the areas, the views and all that. And we are still going to plead with the President to give us what we call an implementation task force so that immediately, where we need to do an Executive Order, we put it up.
“Those (recommendations) that need to go to the National Assembly, we take it off and we start having this as quickly as possible. So, it’s a done deal,” the minister noted.
Olawande said the process leading to Tuesday’s announcement stemmed from extensive stakeholder consultations.
Although the initial brief proposed four days for the dialogue, the President recommended a one-month confab.
He explained, “I was very happy because I’ve been telling the young people in my constituency that the President is a listening President. Last month, we brought many young people together and talked to ourselves. After the strategy meeting, we told ourselves that we needed to get all the youths from all the parties to come and talk, strategise together and present something to the President.
“We called it a Youth Dialogue. We consulted with all the stakeholders. After consulting with the stakeholders, the President listened to us and said, ‘Fine, you want to dialogue within four days, right? But for me, I want to expand it, and let’s see how you can come together as young people of this country.
“We believe in this country and know that it belongs to us. This is what you’ve seen today, and we are very happy with it. It’s a very good development, and we are preparing to roll out things very soon with all stakeholders involved, which the President has consulted.”
The Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, promised to support the recommendations from the youth confab, saying such an initiative was overdue.
He stated, “The need for a youth confab at this point cannot be overemphasised. The youth, like the President, who is also duly recognised, constitute over 60 per cent of our population or demography. And I believe that the time to listen to the youth is not just when they are on the streets protesting.
“If we can hear them loud and clear when they are protesting, we should be able even to hear them louder when we are all seated through a confab to discuss in a very articulate manner.
“So it would be a welcome development. We all look forward to that. And as elected representatives of the people, we also will ensure that we join in creating a conducive amosphere and environment for the youth confab.”
The lawmaker also said that the National Assembly would give due consideration to the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which were approved at the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council.
Unimpressed, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition for United Political Parties criticized the President’s decision to hold a youth confab, describing it as ‘a misallocation of priorities.’
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the move highlights the President’s lack of ideas on governance.
He stated “The President has just said he’s bereft of ideas on how to govern this country. You see, the President likes rhetoric, big talk, and zero action. It is time for an economic summit rather than a youth conference.
“What he should be doing now is organizing an economic summit where he will gather Nigerian economic experts from around the globe to get the best minds to assist him in fixing Nigeria’s economy. He should also convene a security summit to engage some of the best security chiefs and experts to address the security issues in the country.’’
The Labour Party National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, similarly criticized the move as a superficial approach to addressing urgent national issues.
Ahanotu said the idea of a youth confab is poorly timed, emphasizing that what Nigerians truly needed is good governance.
“I feel that this is just a peripheral approach to solving pressing national issues. This conference was initiated to divert the attention of Nigerian youths. What Nigerian youths have been asking for is good governance. When transportation, education, healthcare, and other sectors are functioning, why do we need a national youth conference?’’ he queried.
The CUPP National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, slammed the Federal Government over the proposal, describing it as insincere.
He expressed concern that the confab might turn into another jamboree to influence youths to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, ‘’despite his poor performance.’’
He stated, “As far as I’m concerned, this so-called national youth conference will likely be a mirage with no concrete achievements resulting from it. It’s a deliberate and strategic distraction by the government, in my opinion. Another senseless waste of resources that will run into billions of naira in a very sick economy. It has no intrinsic value.”
But the All Progressives Congress and some youth groups commended the planned conference.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said by this decision, Tinubu has shown he is a caring and attentive leader who exemplified the party’s principles.
He urged the protesting youths to rethink their positions, emphasizing that the president’s mission and intentions are honourable and genuinely aimed at benefiting the country.
Ibrahim also labelled the PDP, LP and CUPP, which have criticized the move, as not having Nigeria’s best interests at heart.
“What the president is trying to do is engage the youth politically and politely so they can plan for their future. A conference of this nature will help prepare young minds to take charge of their country’s future and shape their destinies. Anyone who opposes this does not have the country’s future at heart, ’’ he insisted.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria commended Tinubu for approving the youth confab.
The youth body in a statement by its President, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on Tuesday, said ‘’This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within our nation, highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.’’
The Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, Abdul Danbature, urged the President to move beyond mere statements and ensure the implementation of all his promises.
Danbature expressed disappointment that despite responding to Tinubu’s call for dialogue during the #EndBadGovernance protest, nothing came of it.
Earlier on Tuesday, the October 1 protest was dispersed by police officers who fired tear gas canisters on the protesters in the Utako area of the nation’s capital, but the FCT police command denied the attack on the youths.
The protest was a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.
As early as 7am, the protesters, whose numbers were considerably lower than the previous rally, gathered at the busy Utako market in the Utako area of the FCT.
The participants consisting mostly of youths were demanding a review of the policies causing hardship in the country when some police officers arrived and dispersed them with tear gas.
However, the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh denied that the police attacked the protesters.
Adeh, in a statement, said the police officers only took measures to prevent miscreants who allegedly took advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market.
She said, “The FCT police command is aware of reports making the rounds that policemen attacked protesters at Utako Market in Abuja earlier today, October 1, 2024.
‘’The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading. Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them.
“As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening. We therefore urge the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information, as the command is committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights.”
But our correspondent, who was at the scene, reports that the police officers dispersed the protesters with tear gas.
Unlike the previous protest when the participants regrouped after being tear-gassed, the youths simply fled from the relentless onslaught of the armed security personnel who had been deployed across the FCT.
Heavy security presence was observed at the city centre, including Eagle Square, Berger Roundabout, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Wuse Market, Airport Road, and the Maraba/Nyanya axis.
Security operatives also mounted barricades on the roads leading to Eagle Square, where dozens of security operatives were stationed.
The PUNCH reported that the organisers of the protest had expressed interest in using Eagle Square, but the security personnel prevented them from accessing the facility.
In Lagos, protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge with the rally closely monitored by a large contingent of security personnel, including policemen, officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the NSCDC.
Leading the team of policemen at the protest ground was the state Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola.
The protesters chanted solidarity songs, displaying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Reverse electricity tariff now, “End all attacks on democratic rights”, “Reduce petrol price to N197 per litre, end scarcity”, and “Profit soars while people suffer.”
Spearheading the protest were some civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, the Education Rights Campaign, the Coalition for Revolution, and the Socialist Workers League.
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, joined the protest just before the procession began from the point of convergence.
Sowore, who is one of the key organisers of the protest, arrived at the protest ground at exactly 8:50am.
Addressing newsmen, he said the protest was a crucial step towards taking Nigeria to the “Promised Land.”
He said, “This is one of the actions that will take us to the Promised Land. We did it in August and today is a symbolic day to reject their independence as we want our independence.
“Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time; look at what (Muhammadu) Buhari did with more time. We gave them more time they bought themselves a private jet, we gave them more time, they bought a new house, they increased fuel price. We gave him more time they put us in darkness.
“We gave them more time they gave us minimum wage and gave themselves maximum wage. Let them resign, that is how we will know they actually understand how people feel this time around.”
There was heavy presence of security operatives in Ogun State, including soldiers, police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, one of the venues approved by the state High Court for the protest, but there no protesters at the arena.
The other venues are the Gateway Stadium in Sagamu, Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School in Ota.
The PUNCH learnt that there were also no protests in other parts of the state as the Independence anniversary, which is usually celebrated at the MKO stadium was shifted to the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.
One of our correspondents, who monitored activities around the Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke and Kuto areas of the state, observed that regular activities and movement were not disrupted as security operatives and Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps and men of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency manned strategic positions to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
One of the organisers of the protest in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Demua Dumka, who is also the state Chairman of the Civil Rights Council alleged that he and the Leader of the Take It Back Movement in the state, Adeyemi Ademola, were among protesters attacked by thugs accompanied by security operatives.
Thugs opposed to the protest, numbering about 50, took over the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt, venues of the protest in Port Harcourt, amid heavy security presence at both locations and the Hotel Presidential.
“This (Tuesday) morning some policemen and joint taskforce officials came here (Port Harcourt), beat and harassed some of us, though none of us was arrested.
“Beating protesters doesn’t stop the fact that there is hunger in the land. It doesn’t also stop the fact that there is a hike in food items and that we cannot even buy Premium Motor Spirit anymore.
“They (government) must listen to our demands. Our demands must be met and we must continue to talk whether they like it or not,” Dumka told journalists.
One of the youths, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH they were out to ensure the protest didn’t hold.
“We are not protesters. We are waiting for those who want to protest so that we can stop them.”
Also at the Pleasure Park the anti-Fearless Protesters numbering about fifty were seen while three canopies were mounted near the gate of the popular fun spot in the metropolis.
Our correspondent observed that five youths, who’s identities or the crime they committed could not be immediately ascertained, were arrested and taken away inside a mini-bus near the Federal Secretariat.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on the arrest of the youths proved abortive as she did not take calls put across to her mobile by our reporter. She had yet to reply to a text message to her mobile as of the time of filming ng this report on Tuesday morning.
The planned protest in Kano, which was organised by the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement, was aborted following the alleged arrest of five of their officials by the police.
The NPFM officers last week vowed to stage a peaceful protest against the current hardships being experienced by Nigerians.
However, following the arrest of the NPFM officials, the protest could not hold as Kano and its environs remained calm while residents went about their daily and lawful activities.
Following the anticipated planned protest, many residents remained indoors while many business places, including some markets and shops, remained closed.
In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the protesters were led by members of the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens, who were joined by members of the Take It Back Movement. They were accompanied by security operatives at Freedom Park, where the protest march took off.
A large number of operatives of the police, Department of State Security, NSCDC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service kept a close watch on the protesters in a long convoy from close distance, as they moved towards the Oke Fia Area of the state capital.
Chanting anti-government songs, the protesters demanded an immediate end to the economic hardship ravaging the country.
Addressing journalists, the coordinator of the group that organised the protest, Adetunji Ajala, said,”Enough is enough. Our demands during the Endbadgovernance protest have not been met, and we will continue protesting as long as they are not willing to do what the masses want.”
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Edo State on Tuesday demanded the restoration of fuel subsidy, improvement of security, revert to single legislature among others by the Tinubu administration.
The group, which include African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Talakawa Republic, Take It Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organisation, said the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity and floating of the naira have made life very difficult for Nigerians.
The coordinator, Take it Back Movement, Edo State, Lawal Haifz, said, “We are here to protest the current situation in Nigeria. People are really suffering. We demand the restoration of fuel subsidy. Insecurity has made it impossible for our people to go to farm and that is why you can no longer buy foodstuffs.
“We don’t need the Senate and House of Representatives at the same time. The money spent on the two can go a long way in taking care of the needs of Nigerians. The so called minimum wage cannot even buy a bag of rice. There is extreme hunger.”
States shun protest
The PUNCH reports that at least 20 states, including all five in the eastern part, shunned the protest.
The others are Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Katsina, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Bayelsa and Yobe states.
In Minna, the Niger State capital, residents stayed indoors during the Independence Day celebrations amid a heavy presence of security operatives at strategic locations while police and NSCDC patrol vehicles parked at major spots as others were patrolled the city.
Another major town in the state, Suleja, was peaceful unlike during the #EndBadGorvernance protest when protesters invaded a police station with six of them reportedly killed.
Meanwhile, Adamawa and Nasarawa youths staged solidarity walks in favour of President Tinubu.
The Adamawa youths under the aegis of ‘Concerned Youths of Adamawa’ hit major streets of capital city Yola as Nigeria marked its 64th Independence anniversary.
Convener of the group, concerned youths Yakubu Umar Girei, told journalists the walk was meant to support the laudable policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
In Nasarawa, convener of the I Am Nigeria group, Ibrahim Maiyanga, said they unanimously decided not to participate in the protest in order to sustain the existing peace in the state and Nigeria at large.
“We know that we are not where we ought to be, but we are not where we used to be. So, I want to urge all the citizens of the country to be patient with our President. I am confident that very soon we will all have reasons to smile.”
However, security operatives kept watch at the Secretariat junction and Old Airport junction in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday.
A former sports minister,Solomon Dalung, who led the EndBadGovernance protest in the state last August, said, “It is not as if we do not want to protest in Plateau but the context of the situation we have and the previous one are not the same.
“So, you should not expect us to adopt the same method. But the truth is that the economic hardship and sufferings by Nigerians that warranted the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest have not changed as we speak, so you cannot say that Nigerians in Plateau have stopped protesting for those responsible for the situation to change it.
“So, we will continue to protest against the bad situation we have in Nigeria until the people get relief but the method of this protest should not be expected to be the same here in Plateau.”
In Kaduna, one of the most volatile states during the August protest, residents went about their usual activities, businesses in the metropolis and environs remained open, and shops in the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market were operational as no protest took place despite initial tension.
However, security operatives were deployed to strategic locations across the state, including Narayi High Cost, Barnawa Complex, and Stadium Roundabout, as a precautionary measure.
Interestingly, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State distanced itself from the protest.
The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has flagged off the distribution of 2000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to empower Nigerian youth.
The flag-off event, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja on Tuesday, was part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.
In his address, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the distribution of the tricycles marked the fulfilment of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of transportation, enhance economic well-being, enhance the environment through the utilisation of clean fuel, and create jobs for the youth population, through the introduction of CNG.
He said the CNG tricycles were assembled in Shagamu, adding that it was expected that the delivery of the tricycles would create employment both in operations, maintenance, and deployments of the tricycles across Nigeria.
“I’m pleased to announce to you that we are here to deliver on Mr President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.
“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria in a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.
He noted that “beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.
“It represents a very small step towards delivering the future that is powered by gas that ensures Nigeria’s development, that transforms a resource that we are abundantly blessed with, that yet we waste today into something that creates wealth and jobs for all Nigerians.”
The Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, noted that the tricycles would ease transportation challenges faced by transporters and citizens, commending the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the youth.
“These tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by our transporters and citizens across the country. In this crucial time of economic reforms, this intervention will serve as a great relief to our people, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the quality of life for young people”, she said.
She also highlighted how the National Youth Investment Fund would serve as a “financial backbone” for young investors to thrive in the transportation sector, even as the Ministry hoped to collaborate with the P-CNGi to reach its 2 million tricycles target.
President Bola Tinubu, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government dignitaries, marked Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary with a modest yet significant celebration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event was characterized by a military parade that took place at the forecourt of the presidential villa, under the watchful eyes of the elite Brigade of Guards and additional personnel from sister security agencies.
The heightened security measures included intense screening processes at the main gate and a considerable security presence at the forecourt itself.
President Tinubu arrived at the venue at 10 am, where he was greeted by the sounds of pipers and inspected a Quarter Guard mounted by the Guards Brigade.
The president then took his place on the saluting dais to receive the national salute, officially commencing the day’s proceedings.
The celebration featured a presidential change of guards and a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour patrol, along with displays that highlighted the nation’s military prowess and national pride.
The ceremony continued with a performance by the Silent Drill Platoon from the Guards Brigade, which captivated the audience that included cabinet ministers, presidential aides, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The event also showcased a range of performances by a combined mass band and cultural troupe representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The festivities concluded with President Tinubu signing the anniversary register, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake alongside Vice President Shettima, leaders of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The ceremony ended with the release of doves, symbolizing the nation’s aspirations for peace and unity.
[PRESS RELEASE] Nigeria @64: Obi seeks Independence from state Capture and an end to suffering through production
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Nigeria @64: Obi seeks Independence from state Capture and an end to suffering through production](/media/k2/items/cache/f35ec48fc23091e7685ab1d06a23aa45_M.jpg)
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent Nation free from state Capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.
"On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.
Writing his Independent Day message on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said, "Anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to Reflect on memories, Celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.
"This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary, 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation.
'It's a Day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.
"For me however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.
"An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last 6 decades.
"Have we pulled our people out of poverty or have we thrown more people into poverty? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation's history?
"On every measure of development, from the critical areas to every aspect, we are performing badly. From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law. Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
"When compared with some countries who gained independence around the same time as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence.
"On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering. We must build a nation independent from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the Independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is POssible."
Signed
Ibrahim Umar
POMR SPOKESMAN
October 1st, 2024
Text Of National Broadcast By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu On The 64Th Independence Anniversary Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria October 1, 2024
Admin
Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.
As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.
Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.
The world is witnessing and benefiting from the can-do spirit of the Nigerian people, our massive intellectual capacity, and our enterprise and industry in all vocations, from arts to science, technology to infrastructure. The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.
While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.
Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.
Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.
Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary gives us another chance to reflect on how far we have gone in our journey to nation-building and to renew our commitment to building a better nation that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.
While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.
My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.
On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.
We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.
Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country. After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble. At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.
Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters.
The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.
Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.
Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.
The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.
The more disciplined approach adopted by the Central Bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in our foreign exchange market. We inherited a reserve of over $33 billion 16 months ago. Since then, we have paid back the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion. We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent. Despite all these, we have managed to keep our foreign reserve at $37 billion. We continue to meet all our obligations and pay our bills.
We are moving ahead with our fiscal policy reforms. To stimulate our productive capacity and create more jobs and prosperity, the Federal Executive Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly. These transformative bills will make our business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law.
As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.
The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.
My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home.
I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme. I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months.
Our energy transition programme is on course. We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players. The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation.
Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion. Our economy can only thrive when there is peace.
As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.
Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.
The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world. We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone.
We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams. In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.
As is the tradition, the government will soon announce all the beneficiaries of our national honours for 2024.
The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) .
Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.
I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.
As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.
Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.
May God continue to bless our nation and keep members of our armed forces safe.
Happy Independence anniversary, my fellow Nigerians!
-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, has sworn in the 17 newly elected LGA chairs and their deputies in the state.
Speaking on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony at the government house in Enugu, Mbah implored them to fulfill their campaign promises.
The governor also ordered the LGA chairs to relocate to their council areas to ensure that they are closer to the people.
Mbah asked them to support the smart green schools initiatives, rural infrastructure development, and the agriculture projects, to combat crime and create opportunities for the youths.
“I followed your campaign and all that you promised the people. I also heard a lot of you making allusion to our mantra, ‘Tomorrow Is Here’, during the campaign. I will tell you what ‘Tommorrow is here’ speaks to,” he said.
“It speaks to the immediacy of the tasks before us and how we can immediately get to solving those problems without procrastination.
“It also reminds us that the tomorrow we envision is within our grasp, but just to the extent we are able to innovate. That is why we are now talking about disruptive innovation.
“Now the time you did the talk is over and I am also going to add that the honeymoon is also over. It is now time to walk the talk and time to action those promises you made to the people.
“What the people now expect to hear is how and when you can solve the problems that have blighted their development over the years. So, this is now time for you to think outside the box.”
Speaking further, the governor charged council chairs to prioritise security and lead inclusively from their LGAs.
“We have zero tolerance for crime and insecurity in Enugu State. If you are thinking about how to attract cottage industries and development to your various local governments, they would not come if you do not have peace and security,” he said.
“The people would be the centerpiece of your governance model. You have to banish feelings of allienation and you must deliver democracy dividends to all.
“You should think about basic amenities. We have challenges across all the sectors. You should be thinking outside the box on how to solve them and how to creatively generate wealth and create employment.
“But you can not do that remotely. You can not do that operating from the city. You have to be there with your people.
“So, the era where we have local government chairmen or their deputies leading their people remotely or by proxy is gone. We would have no tolerance for local government chairmen, who do not govern from their local governments.”
THE Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has vowed to mobilise and join forces with Nigerians against the practices of unitarianism in Nigerian politics.
Afenifere stated this in a communique issued after its monthly meeting held at Isanya Ogbo Ogun State, the residence of its Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
The communique, by its Deputy Leader and National Publicity Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Justice Faloye respectively, reads: “Afenifere resolved to, in due course and soon, mobilise and join democratic forces with all lovers of Nigeria against all tenets, tendencies, pretences, policies and practices of unitarianism in the Nigerian body of politics.
“Afenifere notes the introduction of a bill to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission, NILGEC, for the conduct of Local Government elections and considers the idea as nothing but a monumental multiplication of INEC’s inefficiencies at 774 degrees.
“The idea of a federal agency to conduct local government elections is a veritable weapon in furtherance of the undisguised policy of complete capture and absolute unitarianism of the Nigerian Federation by the Central Government, a policy that has attained its crescendo under the present administration.
“Afenifere decries all forms of political rascality aimed at stifling democracy by the two tiers of the Nigerian government structure and equally condemns in unmistakable terms political gerrymandering pushing Nigeria into a unitary state by wielders of transient political power contrary to the existential covenant of federalism.
“The Federal Government and its INEC have proven not better at conducting the limited elections with which they are saddled by the Constitution.”
There are indications that the nation’s currency has come under fresh demand pressure in the parallel market with significant depreciation recorded in the past week.
Yesterday, parallel market dealers traded at N1,705/ $1.00 down from N1,655/$1.00 a week ago, with sustained day-to-day slide.
Vanguard’s Naira watch indicates the steady slide is happening for the first time in several weeks unlike the daily fluctuation within a narrow band of between N1645 and N1,655/$1.00 recorded in the past two months.
Dealers in the parallel market told Vanguard that there was an indication of supply shortfalls in the past two weeks which may have sparked the depreciation in the market.
The development may have also affected the official market segment as data from FMDQ, shows the indicative exchange rate for Nigeria Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM, depreciated to N1541.94/$1.0 yesterday from N1540.78/ $1.0 over the weekend, indicating a 96 kobo depreciation.
The exchange rate development in the third quarter of 2024, Q4’24, also indicated a reversal of the positive trend recorded towards the end of last year.
In a surprising positive trend, the Naira closed last year in the parallel market at N1,215/$1.00, after it had previously hit N1,800/$1.0 quarter average in the third quarter of 2023.
The local currency further resumed the new year 2024 in a positive trend with an appreciation at N1,220/$1.0.
However, the trend reversed in the second quarter of the year with steady depreciation to a quarterly average of N1,620/$1.00 at the end of the second quarter, 2024.
After two months of stability at N1,630/$1.00 in most parts of the third quarter, the latest round of depreciation may have now started, with the fears that the high point of depreciation in Q4’23 may be underway for a repeat.
However, stakeholders in the economy have projected further rises in prices due to the continuous depreciation of the naira against the dollar especially in the parallel market.
Commenting on the development, the President Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, BCAN, Dr. Uju Ogubunka said: “The depreciation of the naira can be associated with demand chasing limited supply. It is the result of FX Supply gaps.
“The implications can be many but it shows the level of confidence or lack of it in the capacity of the country to meet the FX requirements in the market.
“Generally, it will impact on the cost of imported goods into the country and the prices at which such goods will eventually be sold on arrival.
“So, we should be prepared to complain more about high prices of goods in the market.”
Meanwhile, the volume of dollars traded (turnover) in the NAFEM rose year-on-year (YoY) by 61 per cent to $33.7 billion in the first nine months of 2024 (9M’24) from $20.9 billion in 9M’ 24.
The Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Michael Anugwa, has denied his suspension by the service.
Anugwa is the officer in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State, where popular crossdresser Bobrisky served his jail term.
DAILY POST reports that Bobrisky was sentenced to a four-month jail term in April 2024 over misuse of the naira.
Popular social media critic, VeryDarkMan, leaked an audio recording of Bobrisky narrating how he bribed the officials with N15 million to spend his jail term in a private apartment close to the Lagos correctional centre.
Bobrisky further stated that singer Falz contacted him about obtaining a presidential pardon for him through his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, for N10 million.
Following the controversy generated by the audio, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, announced the suspension of Anugwa alongside Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre.
However, addressing members of the House of Representatives committee investigating the bribery allegation against the anti-graft agency and the NCoS on Monday, September 30, 2024, Anugwa stated that his suspension was a social media report.
“I wasn’t served a letter,” he said.
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A former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has written to the National Assembly, requesting an amendment to the Constitution to allow for a six-year single term for the President and state governors.
In a memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku also proposed that the presidency be rotated between the North and South.
It is noteworthy that during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, he advocated for a six-year single term for the presidential seat.
Following the 2023 general elections, Atiku has continued to support this tenure proposal.
He stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years respectively.”
Atiku urged the National Assembly to “amend Section 135(2) to read: ‘Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.’”
Additionally, he proposed the “substitution of an aspirant” in Section 285(14)(a) with “a voter.”
The former Vice President also suggested that the minimum educational qualification for a person to run for election should be the Ordinary National Diploma instead of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. He proposed an amendment to Section 65(2)(a) to read: “He has been educated up to at least Ordinary National Diploma in any recognised academic institution.”
Furthermore, he recommended the insertion of a paragraph in Section 65(2)(a)(i) to read: “Evidence of certificates of all educational qualifications of a candidate shall be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission or an affidavit by the candidate in the event of loss of his/her educational certificates, qualifications obtained, and dates, stating the schools attended.”
Atiku also advocated for political parties to have more power in the candidate selection process. He proposed an “amendment to Section 65(2)(b) to read: ‘He is a member of a political party whose name is in the register to be made available by his political party to the Independent National Electoral Commission 30 days before the conduct of the political party’s primary and he is sponsored by that party.’”
Ahead of the planned nationwide protests on Tuesday, October 1, pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has said the planned demonstration is within the right of Nigerians.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerian youths are planning to stage a nationwide protest on the day the nation is celebrating its Independence Day anniversary.
The protest is birthed by the growing hunger and other economic hardship bedevilling the citizens.
Speaking on the matter, the Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, that “it is the right of the people to do so.”
The organisation, however, pleaded that such should be done peacefully without looting or causing any damage to property and without harming anybody.
The statement called on the federal government under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to do more in the areas of security, agriculture, education, and the economy and increase its efforts at ensuring that available infrastructure functions while also working on providing more.
“State governments are also urged to do more in infrastructure and service delivery, particularly in those areas where there is no constitutional inhibition for them.
“The local governments too should be alive to their responsibilities now that they are having fiscal autonomy so that people’s welfare can improve tremendously,” he said.
According to the statement, Afenifere also commended the enduring spirit of Nigerians, expressing optimism that things should take a better shape soonest.
The Afenifere leader opined that although the country is going through a challenging moment, there is a need to acknowledge the modest progress made since independence.
The newly-inaugurated Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, vowed on Monday in Abuja that obedience to court orders will not be negotiable under her watch.
She said that no individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, would be permitted to treat judgments of the court with levity or disregard.
The CJN spoke on the occasion of the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and the inauguration of the 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) held at the Supreme Court.
Justice Kekere-Ekun stated that the judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of legal decisions is upheld in line with the rule of law.
To achieve this new narrative, the CJN canvassed that all hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.”
“Let us, therefore, work together collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices, and remains vigilant in the protection of citizens’ rights.
“The rights of every Nigerian must be valiantly safeguarded against oppression and impunity, utilizing the full array of legal instruments at our disposal.”
Maintaining that a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian judiciary has come with her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured Nigerians of her commitment to work diligently to improve public perception of the judiciary.
According to her, “Over the years, various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary. However, we are determined to change the narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.”
“When the legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers, including public and international perception.”
“The attitude of some of us in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary, and that has contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.”
The CJN condemned the forum shopping by some lawyers, which she claimed has led to the emergence of conflicting orders by courts of coordinated jurisdiction.
To address this ugly trend, the CJN vowed that there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has sent a message of hope to Nigerians ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day.
Nigeria is observing a public holiday Today Tuesday, October 1, commemorating the country’s Independence from British rule.
In his message celebrating Nigeria’s 2024 independence, Ajaero urged Nigerians not to give up their hope for a better Nigeria.
However, the NLC president called upon citizens to hold their government accountable at all levels.
He praised Nigerian workers’ determination and sacrifices while addressing the ongoing issues of betrayal and corruption within the nation’s political framework.
He noted that for many years, Nigerians, especially those in the working class, have suffered from unfulfilled promises and exploitation.
Ajaero stressed that the marginalized citizens, who continue to endure the consequences of these broken commitments and corruption, should maintain their hope for a better future in their country.
Furthermore, the NLC President advocated for change, encouraging Nigerians to engage in lawful protests against injustices and the undermining of democratic values. He asserted that only through persistent advocacy can the political elite be motivated to prioritize the welfare of the nation.
The NLC President’s statement reads:
“THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
“Being the text of the goodwill mesage by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.
“On the ocassion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.
“We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country.
“In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.
“It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.
“In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose preoccupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining of our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.
“The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low.”